Samsung Officially Announces Odyssey Premium VR Headset

Samsung has officially joined the Windows Mixed reality headset bandwagon and is introducing the new Odyssey Premium headset. Leaks have been circling around for a while, but Samsung and Microsoft finally made it official on Tuesday at a San Francisco event.

“Samsung is committed to working across platforms to build cutting-edge technology, and we’re excited to partner with Microsoft to shape the future of virtual reality,” according to VP and GM Alanna Cotton.

Samsung Odyssey Features

What exactly makes their mixed-reality headset a “premium” product? Well, it delivers 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye which is more than the 1440 x 1440 standard that everyone else offers. When put in comparison against the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive’s 1080 x 1200, it is more than superior. Samsung also uses OLED displays instead of typical LCD. This provides superior color, and low-persistence performance.

The field of view is also supposedly better and up to 110 degrees. Everyone else’s Windows VR headset can only do 95 degrees. It also features hardware IPD adjustment so users can tweak the image clarity depending on their vision requirements.

Unlike other offerings, the Odyssey also integrates high-quality AKG headphones. Users can even access volume controls on the underside of the headset for on-the-fly adjustments.

The premium aspect of the Odyssey does not just reflect the name and build. The price naturally follows as well so it goes for $499 with motion controllers. It should be in stores by November 6th. Pre-orders begin on October 3.